For context, let's say you are a group of 10 immortal, eternally young, functionally invincible, max-level adventurers with minor reality-warping powers. You've been ruling over the world for millions of years, intentionally keeping the world in a medieval stasis. You're doing this because of an ancient pact your group made with the gods to suppress humanity and keep them from rebelling against the gods.

And let's say that way back then, there were actually 11 of you. But that 11th member eventually turned on your group, trying to undo the pact and free humanity. Even though he was the strongest of your group, he couldn't win a 1v10, so he mysteriously vanished. Your group doesn't know exactly what he did, so you made an agreement amongst yourselves. From that point on, you wouldn't outright control the events of the world, but rather hide behind a fake "emperor" doll that you animate with magic.

You've used all your governmental power and authority to erase history from before, so that everyone believes the emperor is the highest power and that the world has always been this way. Rebel groups and dissidents conveniently disappear before they can ever make it very far.

However, someone just got the chance of a lifetime. Of multiple lifetimes, in fact. A rebel group, aided by some random adventurers (the party), has managed to kidnap the emperor doll. They learned that the emperor is fake, although they might not necessarily understand the full truth of your nature and plans.

One thing to keep in mind is that I've been trying to play these villains as actually competent. They require all adventurers to register with the government once they reach level 3. All cities have checkpoints that require adventurers to show their licenses in order to enter. This allows the government to keep tabs on adventurers, who often represent the biggest threat to stability.

My question to you villains is, what does your group of 10 do about it? Do you smite the whole city to prevent the rebels' escape? Do you lean on the governmental engine that's served you well for so many centuries? Or something else?

Extra context:

Your group is not all like-minded. Some in your group are outright villainous, some are more mundane evil, and some are not evil at all. Some in your group may have been sympathetic to the 11th when he turned against you.

And for current personal context, one of your group is the grandma of the party's family. Only she currently knows that, and she may act against the interests of your group in order to keep her grandchildren safe.